Dodgers center fielder robs Braves slugger of possible homer in first

ATLANTA -- In a rare show of in-game sportsmanship, Braves slugger Jason Heyward tipped his helmet in admiration when Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp robbed him of a possible home run.

"That's Heyward. That's my dog," said Kemp. "He's a great player. He'd try to do the same to me if the shoe was on the other foot."

Heyward launched a drive to deep left-center with one out in the bottom of the first inning Saturday night. Kemp measured his route to the warning track and leaped high above the home-run stripe, appearing to be one stride in front of the wall when he left the ground.

Kemp, a former Gold Glove winner, made the catch, and Heyward waved his helmet in Kemp's direction to acknowledge the catch as he turned back toward his dugout.

"It was amazing," said Dodgers starter Chris Capuano. "I got too much of the plate with a 2-1 fastball. As soon as it left the bat, it had a chance to go out. Matt was like Spiderman climbing the wall."

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.